“Definitions of racism all agree that it is an ideology that either explicitly or implicitly asserts that one racialized group is inherently superior to others. Racist Ideology can be openly manifested in racial slurs, jokes or hate crimes. However, it can be more deeply rooted in attitudes, values, and stereotypical beliefs. In some cases these beliefs are unconsciously maintained by individuals and have become deeply embedded in systems and institutions that have evolved over time”

— Ontario Human Rights Commission

What forms does racism take?

Racism can take many forms, report it when you see it and raise awareness!

Racial profiling

Racial profiling is any act undertaken for safety, security, or public protection that uses race as a basis for differential treatment.

Prejudice

Prejudice is a preconceived opinion without reason or experience.

Stereotyping

Stereotyping is assigning the same characteristics to each member of a group despite individual difference. It is often oversimplified, misconceived, or based off incomplete information or false generalizations.

Subtle forms

Less overt forms of racial discrimination can occur. This can include:

Lack of service or differential treatment;

Disqualification from rental units, jobs, etc.; and

Even jokes.

Hate crime

In regards to racism, a hate crime is a crime that is motivated by race.

Systemic racism

Institutional racism or systemic racism describes forms of racism structured into political and social institutions. It occurs when organizations, institutions or governments discriminate, either deliberately or indirectly, against certain groups of people to limit their rights.

Effects of racism

Students lost their education and educational opportunities, ultimately compromising their future

Impacts on communities through lack of sense of belonging, effecting civic participation

Loss on an individuals’ self-esteem and dignity, causing feelings of humiliation and shame, leading to emotional and psychological impact

Physical effects such as hypertension, illnesses such as anxiety, depression, psychosis and respiratory illness

Economic costs through employee mental and physical well-being, and boycotting of businesses

What are my rights?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Act all prohibit discrimination based on race. The Criminal Code of Canada protects you from acts of hate and hate propaganda.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights of individuals. It is the highest law of the land, and protects and sets limits on these rights.

Equality Rights- 15.1-2

15.(1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

(2) Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of d is advantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

Ontario Human Rights Code

Ontario’s Human Rights Code was enacted in 1962 and was the first in Canada. The Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on race and several other grounds. The protected areas of the Code are accommodation, contracts, employment, goods, services and facilities and membership in unions, trade or professional associations.

Criminal Code of Canada

Canada's Criminal Code describes all criminal offences and procedures for dealing with them in Canada. Created in July of 1892, it includes Hate propaganda in the Code.

United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples describes the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples around the world. It offers guidance on cooperative relationships between Indigenous peoples and states, the United Nations, and other international organizations. The guidance is based on the principles of equality, partnership, good faith, and mutual respect. It talks about the rights of Indigenous peoples on issues such as culture, identity, religion, language, health, education and community.

Canadian Human Rights Act

The Canadian Human Rights Act guarantees that everyone is treated equally and to combat discrimination. It was passed by Parliament in 1977.

Anti-racism resources

Anti-racism resources are for everyone. They provide information on racism and human rights and tools if you experience racism.

Ensemble for the Respect of Diversity

Light-On

The Light-On Project, based in the UK, is a great tool for addressing online racism. The Stop Racism Online practical guide walks you through five steps to identifying and addressing online racism. They have their own anti-racism tool kit and a training manual for investigating and reporting online racism.

Racial Equity Tools

Racial Equity Tools support both individuals and organizations looking to create racial equity. They offer a variety of tools, research, and tips for fighting racism on a small to large scale.

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